November is here and we’ve all pulled out the coats, gloves, and toques in preparation. But while you’re prepping for cold weather, remember that electrolytes are just as important in the winter. Whether you’re in the gym or on the slopes, you’re sweating more than you think and balancing your electrolytes are important.
Why are Electrolytes Important?
The electrolytes sodium and potassium regulate your body’s water balance and during pro-longed exercise, we lose electrolytes through our sweat. That’s why your sweat is salty, it’s full of sodium.
If you are low on electrolytes you could deal with fatigue and cramping in the stomach, side, or legs.
According to Runner’s Connect, other electrolyte imbalance symptoms are: muscle spasms, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, constipation, dark urine, decreased urine output, dry mouth and foul breath, dry skin, muscle weakness or stiff and achy joints.
But I Don’t Sweat Much in the Winter…
You don’t THINK you’re sweating as much in the winter, but that’s more perception than reality.
Because of the sweat wicking base layers we often wear during winter activities paired with how quickly you can cool off gives the illusion that you aren’t sweating as much. Google is full of products and ways to master your layers to prevent your body from becoming too sweaty, and in response, cold.
A full day on the slopes with wool base layers, and vented coats gives you the illusion that you are dry. In reality, you are likely sweating more than your summer workouts without realizing it.
You also tend to have a lot of extra weight due to clothing layers and potentially equipment which also gets your body sweating.
According to one study, hockey players can lose up to 2% of their body weight in sweat alone!
Replace Those Electrolytes
Pascoe’s Basenpowder is a powder you add to water that contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Acting as a multi-mineral electrolyte powder supplement, Basenpowder replenishes the body to support vital physical processes as I mentioned above, which is incredibly important.
Basenpowder delivers essential minerals and electrolytes to:
- Help maintain proper muscle function
- Help in tissue formation and bone health
- Support healthy hair, skin, and nails using zinc
- Support immune function
They come in great little sachet packets that make it so easy to travel with and place in your bag for when you’ll need it. What stands out to me the most is that Basenpowder is sugar-free!
Whether you’re running on the treadmill, playing hockey, skiing, or snowshoeing- remember to replace your electrolytes for better health and body function!